Parental leave is a crucial part of raising a family for modern parents. Helps build bonds with the newborn and eases the transition to parenthood. But navigating the parental leave system in Quebec can be a daunting task. Fortunately, this guide provides all the answers you need to understand the Quebec parental leave system and get the most out of your leave.
Overview of the Quebec parental leave system
All Canadian parents can take time off work to care for a new child. You may be eligible for parental leave benefits through the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP). You can take parental leave at any time during the first year after your child is born or adopted. If you adopt a child, you can take parental leave any time during the first year after the child becomes your child.
The length of the license depends on your situation. Quebec has three separate parental leave systems: maternity leave, paternity leave, and parental leave. Let's take a look at these systems to see which one applies to your situation.
maternity licence
If you are pregnant or have just given birth, you are entitled to maternity leave. Maternity leave can start any time after 16 weeks of pregnancy and must end 20 weeks after the baby is born. The maximum length of maternity leave available to a mother is 18 weeks.
paternity leave
Paternity leave applies to biological parents and is taken after the birth of the child. It can start as early as the week of the baby's birth and end 5 weeks after it starts.
parental leave
Parental leave applies to biological or adoptive parents. Both parents can benefit from parental leave and can be used at the same time. Biological parents can start parental leave the week the child is born. The license ends no later than 78 weeks after the birth of the child. For adoptive parents, leave begins the week you receive or pick up the child and ends 78 weeks after that date. The maximum number of weeks you can take consecutively is 68.
Total duration of license in Quebec
Since there are three different types of leave in Quebec, a birth mother can take maternity leave in addition to parental leave. A biological father can also take paternity leave in addition to parental leave. The duration of the leave depends entirely on her personal situation, but it cannot exceed the amounts indicated above.
Assignment of parental leave in Quebec
Unfortunately, employers are not required to pay you when you go on maternity or paternity leave, although some will do so for a fraction of what they normally pay you. However, you can apply for the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP).
You are eligible for the QPIP if you live in Quebec, if your salary has decreased by at least 40%, if you had an income of at least $2,000 in the last year, if you contributed to the QPIP, and if you had or adopted a child.
There are two different types of plans for QPIP: the basic plan and the special plan. It is up to you to decide which one benefits you the most. If you do not plan to take a long leave, the special regime is the right one for you. If you want to take advantage of as much free time as possible , the basic plan is for you.
Below is a table detailing the number of weeks vs. birth parent admission rates.
| Maternity licence | paternity leave | parental leave | |
|---|---|---|---|
| basic scheme | 18 weeks at 70% | 5 weeks at 70% | 7 weeks at 70% and 25 weeks at 55% |
| special diet | 15 weeks at 75% | 3 weeks at 75% | 25 weeks at 75% |
Below is a table detailing the number of weeks by income percentages for adoptive parents.
| Parental permission not shareable | shareable parental leave | |
|---|---|---|
| basic scheme | 5 weeks each at 70% | 20 weeks at 70% and 25 weeks at 55% |
| special diet | 3 weeks at 75% each | 37 weeks at 75% |
Right to parental leave in Quebec
In Quebec, all parents have the right to take parental leave at any time during the child's first year of life. And while you may be eligible to receive benefits during paternity leave, not everyone takes advantage of this opportunity. According to Statistics Canada, between 2012 and 2017, 88% of mothers took maternity and/or paternity leave and 46% of fathers took paternity or paternity leave. The choice is entirely up to you and your personal financial situation.
Financial planning before parental leave
Before you take paternity leave, it's important to make sure you're financially prepared. One way to do this is to calculate parental leave savings. To do this, you must first estimate the amount you will receive during your parental leave. Next, you'll need to figure out how much you'll need to support yourself and his family while you're on leave.
Next, create a complete budget . Write down all of your potential income and expenses so that you are fully prepared for what is to come.
This will allow you to ensure that you have saved enough to get you through the period of parental leave. If you don't have enough savings before you take leave, take advantage of the parental leave insurance benefits offered by the Québec Parental Insurance Plan. These benefits can help you defer the costs of parental leave.
If you're not sure how much you'll need to support your family, follow this guide for all the expenses to consider when planning for a baby.
The parental leave system in Quebec is extensive and beneficial to new parents. Whether you are on maternity or paternity leave, you are entitled to a wide range of benefits to make your leave easier. To get the most out of it, it's important to make financial planning a priority before you go on leave. In this way, you will be able to take advantage of all the advantages that you have at your disposal, at the same time that it will make it easier for you to return to work.
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